Disclaimers: Naruto isn't mine. This is purely a fanfic using someone else's characters.

Warnings: This story includes strong language, violence, some forcefulness, angst, & delicious yaoi lemon.

Like Night and Day

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Chapter 8

"No.. Sa-Sasuke," Naruto choked, forcing the words through his bruised body and trembling lips, "you can't-"

"That won't work, Naruto. Not this time."

"Sasuke! Wa-wait!

The Uchiha glared back at him, sharingan spinning. "Don't try to stop me."

Their eyes met, deep azure orbs sinking into inky black pools, trying to convince him to stay with a single haunted look, desperate to pull him back.

Sasuke clenched his jaw and turned away, and it was like Naruto was ten years old all over again. He was going to be alone, just like before. Alone because Sasuke wanted to end his pain. But he never understood that it only caused more- a pain deeper than anything those men could have done to him.

I can't let this happen.

The blonde unsteadily rose to his feet, ignoring the pain radiating from his foot and Sasuke's sharp protests. No. I'm going to be the one to protect you this time, Naruto thought stubbornly.

I won't lose you to Orochimaru again.

The snake watched with growing interest as the blonde took a step towards them. "Ahhh, Naruto. I was hoping you'd join us."

Sasuke growled, low and dangerous. "Naruto!" he snapped, "stay back!"

The blonde jerked towards him as he finally came up to his side. "Fuck you, Sasuke! I'm not letting you go off with that bastard again."

The Uchiha snarled. "You don't have a say in this." He shifted out of view, and reappeared at the snake's side.

Orochimaru was surprised that Sasuke was so adamant about leaving with him, though he supposed he still had a lot to learn about his attachment to the jinchuriki.

Sasuke turned to look at him. "Let's go."

Golden eyes gleamed mischievously. "You don't really expect me to leave him be, do you?"

Sasuke's crimson gaze widened and he moved to block the snake, but he already had his eyes set on the blonde. Besides, the collar did most of the work for him.

"Come."

Naruto was suddenly jerked forward as the collar dragged him towards Orochimaru.

"Nnnnn!" Naruto grabbed it with both hands and pulled as hard as he could, but he couldn't get the damn thing off.

"Le-let me go, you bastard! Ughh- let go!"

He dug his feet into the ground, fighting his restraint, but he had no control. He was completely helpless- forced to go along with anything the snake commanded.

It was a terrifying thought.

Panic rushed through Sasuke as Naruto was dragged over to the snake by the metal collar around his neck, but rage quickly took its place. The bastard really thinks he can have him. That he can do whatever he wants to MY Naruto.

Fuck this.

Sasuke moved fast, rushing up to the snake, until he had him in his grasp. He pressed the edge of a kunai firmly against his throat. "Release him" he ground out, "or I kill you where you stand."

Orochimaru didn't seem the least bit concerned. "If you kill me, your little fox dies as well."

Sasuke froze at that. He couldn't tell if the snake was lying to cover his ass, or if whatever this was actually had that affect on their victims. He leaned in, forcing the blade flush against his pale neck. "How do I know you're telling the truth."

Orochimaru's eyes flashed.

"You don't."

Naruto was pulled right beside him, before Orochimaru finally commanded the collar to stop. Cerulean eyes were wide with horror as he faced off against the snake.

"Be a good little jinchuriki" Orochimaru purred, his tongue sliding free from his lips, slithering towards the blonde. Naruto took a step back, and he smiled around his elongated tongue.

"Stay."

Naruto tried to take another step back, but the collar wouldn't let him. It was frozen in place, and with it- Naruto.

"I'm not your fucking pet, asshole!" Naruto screamed, frustration and fear piling up, growing into a deep fury that spread through his chest and tangled in his mind.

Sasuke sliced down towards his tongue and Orochimaru quickly reeled it back in, avoiding his attack. He wasn't worried though-

he would have a taste soon enough.

"My dear jinchuriki.. that's exactly what you are."

Sasuke kicked him hard, sending the man flying out of the clearing. "I told you to stay the fuck away from him!!"

He moved towards the snake, but a soft sound halted him mid-step.

"Sa- mmpph!"

He spun around and once again found that he had made a horrible mistake in underestimating Kabuto. A hand pressed firmly across Naruto's lips, another forcing his arm behind his back, the silver-haired disciple had full control of his blonde. It didn't help that the collar was still following Orochimaru's last order, holding Naruto in place.

Kabuto glanced over the Uchiha's shoulder. "Ready, sir."

"Stop." Orochimaru's whisper slipped through the air and drifted to the blonde's neck, where it released the collar's tight hold on him.

Kabuto yanked him back to be sure, then grinned. "Bye, Sasuke."

Obsidian eyes grew wide with horror. "No. NO! Naruto!!" He lunged, but the two disappeared before he could even touch them.

The last thing he saw was a pair of terrified blue eyes, and a pale hand stifling the screams of the person he failed to save.

Again.